Design Strategist

High Level Purpose of the Role:

Partners with the Sales & Marketing teams to develop and implement interior design and specification needed to support the strategic objectives of generating sales growth with field sales and dealers.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Support the sales team in their efforts to increase product sales.
• Attend client meetings for strategic accounts either via live or Web Based. Attend mock up presentation and join showroom tours as needed
• Make introductions to A&D firms
• Supply A&D firms with Revit symbols as needed to complete their projects
• Works with various departments within the organization to ensure completion of product typicals on schedule and with committed content.
• Be comfortable with live design, to showcase capabilities and come to design solutions more efficiently. Lead cocreation sessions while using a design thinking mindset.
• Assists with identifying and communicating best practices and key learnings on application, positioning, and timeline of new products to Design Strategist team.
• Coach sales team, dealers, and outsource specifiers on product integration, application & technical capability to effectively specify full line of products.
• Create and share typicals for MRL integration and website typical library development and improvement
• Offering training support to dealers in addition to Kimball Univ, including but not limited to: product knowledge, specification clarity, CET use and adoption and Elevate.
• Provide high quality renderings
• Participate in events such as NeoCon and Healthcare design as requested
• Be an active member on the CET Beta test team, providing testing and valuable feedback to its continued development.

Skills to Perform This Role:

Work/Educational Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in Interior Design
• 5+ years Interior Design experience
• Office furniture specification experience, specifically systems & open plan/benching products
• NCIDQ; LEED; EDAC (preferred but not required)

Technical Skills

• Configura CET spec systems
• AutoCAD 3D Max, Revit and Sketch Up Knowledge (preferred)
• In-depth product knowledge of full Kimball portfolio.
• Ability to determine the optimal product application & integration of products into a complete design solution.
• Interior Design space planning and codes
• Learns & reinforces the use of new technologies related to the entire sales process (ie. Revit)
• Strength using Excel, PowerPoint, & Word

Leadership Skills

• Creative problem solving skills
• Asks probing questions to ensure common understanding
• Self starter, pursues information to drive results
• Shares spec and project execution tips with nationwide group of Product Application Specialists.
• Ability to lead and/or co-lead a project
• Assists in facilitating their team to meet deadlines
• Provides coaching & feedback to improve results
• Ability to facilitate conflict resolution
• Seeks out personal development opportunities

Interpersonal Skills

• Collaborative team player helping grow sales
• Easily develops rapport and trust
• Understands & anticipates customer concerns
• High degree of emotional intelligence
• Ability to be the consultative role with various audiences to understand needs.
• Ability to facilitate to a common understanding for product desired: standard, modifications, or custom

Communication & Presentation Skills

• Excellent verbal, written & listening skills
• Presents effectively to small groups
• Adjusts communication & style for target audience
• Prepared with objectives & anticipates questions